Cole close to new Chelsea deal

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has agreed to sign a new one-year deal, according to a report from the Press Association.

Cole, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been tracked by the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain. However, it is understood that the left-back will put pen-to-paper on an extension in the next 48 hours.

The England international has been a fixture in the Chelsea back-line since he joined the Blues in a controversial transfer from bitter rivals Arsenal in 2006 and is widely regarded as the world's best left-back.

During his time at the West London club, Cole has won one Premier League title, four FA Cups, one League Cup and was also part of the team that defeated Bayern Munich in last year's Champions League final.

Chelsea fans may be unhappy about the loss of midfielder Frank Lampard, who is certain to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, but it seems they are set to keep Cole.